Control system and control method

Abstract

To provide a control system capable of suppressing unauthorized use of an outdoor power supply.SOLUTION: A control system 10 includes an acquisition unit 54 that acquires information indicating a usage status of an outdoor power supply 40 that supplies power to a load located outdoors, and a control unit 55 that performs at least one of notification to an information terminal 70 used by a manager of the outdoor power supply 40 and control to stop the outdoor power supply 40 when it is determined that the outdoor power supply 40 is used outside a predetermined available period based on the acquired information. When it is determined that the outdoor power supply 40 is used within the available period on the basis of the acquired information, the control unit 55 performs another notification to the information terminal 70 different from the above notification, or does not perform the notification to the information terminal 70.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control system and a control method. [Background Art]

[0002] Various techniques relating to outdoor power sources such as outdoor outlets have been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle charger that functions as an outdoor power source. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-051090 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a control system and a control method capable of suppressing unauthorized use of an outdoor power source. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] A control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a usage status of a power source that supplies electric power to a load located outdoors; and a control unit that performs at least one of notifying an information terminal used by an administrator of the power source and controlling to stop the power source when it is determined based on the acquired information that the power source is being used outside a predetermined available usage period, wherein when the control unit determines based on the acquired information that the power source is being used within the available usage period, the control unit sends another notification different from the aforementioned notification to the information terminal, or does not send a notification to the information terminal.

[0006] A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method performed by a computer, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information indicating the usage status of a power source that supplies power to a load located outdoors; and a control step of performing at least one of the following: notifying an information terminal used by the power source manager and stopping the power source, when it is determined that the power source is being used outside a predetermined available period based on the acquired information, wherein in the control step, when it is determined that the power source is being used within the available period based on the acquired information, a different notification is sent to the information terminal, or no notification is sent to the information terminal.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the control method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The control system and control method of the present invention can prevent the unauthorized use of an outdoor power supply. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an external view of an outdoor electrical outlet and EV charging device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram of operation example 1 of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a notification screen when the start time for using an outdoor electrical outlet falls outside the available period. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a notification screen when the start time of use of an outdoor electrical outlet falls within the available period. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram of operation example 2 of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]Figure 7 shows an example of a notification screen when the start time for using an EV charging device is outside the available period. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a notification screen when the start time of using an EV charging device falls within the available period. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the case when the charging function is released in operation example 2. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram of operation example 3 of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is the first sequence diagram of the operation example 4 (first half) of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is the first sequence diagram of the operation example 4 (second half) of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is the second sequence diagram of Operation Example 4 (second half) of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is the second sequence diagram of the operation example 4 (first half) of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a sequence diagram of a modified example of operation example 2 of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows another example of a notification screen when the start time for using an EV charging device is outside the available period. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0011] It should be noted that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. In addition, in each figure, substantially identical configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the configuration of the control system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control system according to the embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 10 includes a control terminal 20, a distribution board 30, an outdoor power supply 40, a first server 50, a second server 60, and an information terminal 70. The control terminal 20 and the distribution board 30 are installed inside a residence 80, while the outdoor power supply 40, the first server 50, and the second server 60 are installed outside the residence 80. The control terminal 20 and the distribution board 30 may be installed outside the residence 80 but within the site of the residence 80. The information terminal 70 is located outside the residence 80, but may also be located inside the residence 80 in some cases. The residence 80 is, for example, a detached house, and the outdoor power supply 40 is installed outside the detached house, for example, within the site of the detached house. The residence 80 may be an apartment house, and in this case, the outdoor power supply 40 is installed, for example, around a parking lot contracted by the resident of the residence 80 (the parking lot may be within the site of the apartment house or outside the site).

[0014] The control system 10 can control devices (not shown) communicatively connected to the control terminal 20, such as lighting devices or air conditioning devices, based on an operation performed by a resident of the residence 80 on an operation receiving unit 21 of the control terminal 20. In addition, the control system 10 has a power theft suppression support function that suppresses unauthorized use of the outdoor power supply 40 (specifically, an outdoor outlet 41 or an EV (Electric Vehicle) charging device 42) by persons other than the administrator of the outdoor power supply (the resident of the residence 80) without permission. Details of such a function will be described later. It should be noted that it is not essential for the control system 10 to have a device control function.

[0015] The following describes in detail each device included in such a control system 10. The control terminal 20 is an example of an information terminal, and specifically, it is an EMS (Energy Management System) controller with energy management functions. The control terminal 20 manages the power consumption of equipment installed in the same house 80 as the control terminal 20, based on the amount of power consumption measured by the distribution board 30. The control terminal 20 also controls equipment connected to the control terminal 20 via communication, and manages the status of the equipment. The status management of the equipment here includes the status management of the outdoor power supply 40, and specifically, it includes the management of the charging status of the EV charging device 42 (charging / discharging / stopped, etc.), and the management of the charge amount and discharge amount of the EV charging device 42.

[0016] The control terminal 20 is not limited to an EMS controller, but may be another controller that does not have an energy management function, or a gateway device. The control terminal 20 comprises an operation reception unit 21, a display unit 22, an information processing unit 23, a storage unit 24, a first communication unit 25, and a second communication unit 26.

[0017] The operation reception unit 21 receives operations from residents of the house 80. The operation reception unit 21 can be implemented, for example, by a touch panel, but may also be implemented by hardware keys or the like. The operation reception unit 21 does not need to be integrated with the control terminal 20; an external terminal connected to the control terminal 20 may be used as the operation reception unit 21. In this case, the external terminal may be, for example, an intercom master unit.

[0018] The display unit 22 displays an image. The display unit 22 is implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel. The display unit 22 does not need to be integrated with the control terminal 20; an external terminal connected to the control terminal 20 may be used as the operation reception unit 21. In this case, the external terminal may be, for example, an intercom master unit.

[0019] The information processing unit 23 performs information processing related to the control of the device. The information processing unit 23 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 23 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 23 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 24.

[0020] The memory unit 24 is a storage device that stores computer programs and the like executed by the information processing unit 23. The memory unit 24 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory.

[0021] The first communication unit 25 is a communication circuit for the control terminal 20 to communicate with the first server 50 and the like via the wide-area communication network 90. ​​The first communication unit 25 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication, but it may also be a wired communication circuit for wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standards for the communication performed by the first communication unit 25.

[0022] The first communication unit 25 is configured to connect to the wide-area communication network 90 via, for example, a home router (not shown), and the first communication unit 25 itself does not directly connect to the wide-area communication network 90. ​​However, the first communication unit 25 may be configured to connect directly to the wide-area communication network 90 by having a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card installed in the first communication unit 25 itself. Alternatively, the first communication unit 25 may have an access point function and connect to the wide-area communication network 90 via a mobile communication network by performing wireless communication with a mobile terminal or the like in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy).

[0023] The second communication unit 26 is a communication circuit for the control terminal 20 to communicate with equipment (not shown), a distribution board 30, and an EV charging device 42, etc., that are connected to the control terminal 20 via a local communication network. The second communication unit 26 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but it may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standards used by the second communication unit 26.

[0024] The distribution board 30 distributes AC power supplied from the grid power supply to multiple branch circuits. These branch circuits are connected to equipment such as lighting fixtures or air conditioning equipment (not shown), outdoor outlets 41, or EV charging devices 42. The distribution board 30 also has a power consumption measurement function and can measure the power consumption of each branch circuit. The measured power consumption values ​​are transmitted to the control terminal 20 (second communication unit 26). In this embodiment, the distribution board 30 individually measures the power consumption of the outdoor outlets 41 (more specifically, the power consumption of the loads connected to the outdoor outlets 41) and transmits the measured values ​​to the control terminal 20.

[0025] The outdoor power supply 40 supplies power to loads located outside the house 80. The outdoor power supply 40 is basically installed outside the house 80, but a part of it may be located inside the house 80. The outdoor power supply 40 includes an outdoor outlet 41 and an EV charging device 42. Figure 2 is an external view of the outdoor outlet 41 and the EV charging device 42.

[0026] The outdoor outlet 41 is connected to one of the above-mentioned branch circuits and supplies AC power obtained from the grid power supply through the branch circuit to the load connected to the outdoor outlet 41. The outdoor outlet 41 is an example of a power source that supplies power to loads located outdoors. The outdoor outlet 41 is installed on the exterior wall of the house 80, etc.

[0027] The EV charging device 42 is connected to one of the above-mentioned branch circuits and charges the EV (more specifically, the battery of the EV) using AC power obtained from the grid power supply through the branch circuit. The EV charging device 42 is another example of a power supply that provides power to an outdoor load (EV). The EV charging device 42 is realized by a power conversion circuit that converts AC power obtained from the grid power supply into DC power, and a microcomputer for charging control. The EV charging device 42 is installed on the exterior wall of the house 80, etc.

[0028] The first server 50 is a cloud server that processes information related to the above-mentioned power theft suppression support function. Specifically, the first server 50 provides notifications regarding the usage status of the outdoor power supply 40 and controls the EV charging device 42. The first server 50 is used, for example, by a business operator that manufactures or sells the control terminal 20 and the equipment connected to the control terminal 20 (hereinafter also referred to as the equipment provider). Specifically, the first server 50 comprises a communication unit 51, an information processing unit 52, and a storage unit 53.

[0029] The communication unit 51 is a communication circuit for the first server 50 to communicate with the control terminal 20, the second server 60, and the information terminal 70, etc., via the wide-area communication network 90. ​​The communication unit 51 is, for example, a wired communication unit that performs wired communication, but it may also be a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standards used by the communication unit 51.

[0030] The information processing unit 52 performs information processing related to the power theft suppression support function. Specifically, the information processing unit 52 is implemented by a microcomputer or processor. The information processing unit 52 has an acquisition unit 54, a control unit 55, and a generation unit 56 as functional components. The functions of the acquisition unit 54, the control unit 55, and the generation unit 56 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 52 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 53. Details of the functions of the acquisition unit 54, the control unit 55, and the generation unit 56 will be described later.

[0031] The memory unit 53 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for the above-mentioned information processing, as well as the computer program mentioned above. The memory unit 53 is implemented by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be implemented by semiconductor memory.

[0032] The second server 60 is a cloud server used by a company providing a parking space sharing service to manage parking reservations.

[0033] The information terminal 70 is an information terminal used by the resident of the house 80 (in other words, the manager of the outdoor power supply 40) to receive notifications regarding the usage status of the outdoor power supply 40. The information terminal 70 is a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet. The information terminal 70 may also be a stationary information terminal such as a personal computer. The information terminal 70 has a dedicated application program pre-installed that is necessary to receive the above notifications.

[0034] [Example of operation 1] As described above, the control system 10 has a power theft suppression support function, and one of these functions is the ability to provide notifications regarding the usage status of the outdoor outlet 41. Below, an example of the operation of such a control system 10, Example 1, will be described. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram of the operation example 1 of the control system 10.

[0035] First, the manager of the outdoor outlet 41 (a resident of the house 80) enters the period during which it can be used and the period during which it cannot be used into the information terminal 70, and the information terminal 70 accepts this input (S11).

[0036] The available period is the period during which the use of the outdoor outlet 41 is permitted, and the unavailable period is the period during which the use of the outdoor power supply 40 is prohibited. The available period and the unavailable period are entered in a format that specifies time periods, for example, on a daily or weekly basis, but it may also be in a format that allows the specification of any period. Furthermore, it is sufficient for at least one of the available period and the unavailable period to be entered; if only the available period is entered, for example, the entire period outside the available period will be considered the unavailable period. Similarly, if only the unavailable period is entered, for example, the entire period outside the unavailable period will be considered the available period. Note that below, expressions such as "within the available period" and "outside the available period" are used, but "outside the available period" can be rephrased as "within the unavailable period."

[0037] The information terminal 70 generates a registration request that includes at least the available period as information, and sends the generated registration request to the first server 50 (S12).

[0038] The communication unit 51 of the first server 50 receives a registration request. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the available period included in the received registration request and registers (stores) it in the storage unit 53 (S13).

[0039] Subsequently, the second communication unit 26 of the control terminal 20 receives the measured power consumption value in the branch circuit to which the outdoor outlet 41 is connected from the distribution board 30 (S14). When the information processing unit 23 detects that a load has been connected to the outdoor outlet 41 based on the received measured value (S15), it sends a usage commencement notification to the first server 50 (S16). More specifically, the usage commencement notification is sent to the first server 50 by the first communication unit 25. The usage commencement notification is an example of information indicating the usage status of the outdoor outlet 41 (outdoor power supply 40), and more specifically, it is information indicating that the outdoor outlet 41 has been put into use.

[0040] In step S14, the second communication unit 26 may receive information from the outdoor outlet 41 indicating that a load has been connected to the outdoor outlet (i.e., information indicating that the state of the outdoor outlet 41 has changed), and in step S15, the information processing unit 23 may detect that a load has been connected to the outdoor outlet 41 based on the received information.

[0041] The communication unit 51 of the first server 50 receives a service commencement notification. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the received service commencement notification (S17). The control unit 55 determines whether the service commencement time determined by the service commencement notification acquired in step S17 falls within the available period registered in step S13 (S18). Note that the service commencement time is included as information in the service commencement notification, for example, but the control unit 55 may consider the time when the service commencement notification is received by the communication unit 51 as the service commencement time.

[0042] If the control unit 55 determines in step S18 that the start time of use is outside the available period, it sends notification information to the information terminal 70 (S19). More specifically, the notification information is sent to the information terminal 70 by the communication unit 51.

[0043] When the information terminal 70 receives notification information, it displays a notification screen based on the received notification information (S20). Figure 4 shows an example of a notification screen when the start time of use is outside the available period. As shown in Figure 4, the notification screen when the start time of use is outside the available period includes a description (message) indicating that the outdoor outlet 41 is being used illegally.

[0044] The notification information is sent from the first server 50 to the information terminal 70 only when it is determined that the start time of use is outside the available period, but it may also be sent from the first server 50 to the information terminal 70 when it is determined that the start time of use is within the available period. Figure 5 shows an example of a notification screen when the start time of use is within the available period. As shown in Figure 5, the notification screen when the start time of use is within the available period includes a description (message) indicating that the outdoor outlet 41 is in use.

[0045] As described above, the control system 10 includes an acquisition unit 54 that acquires a usage commencement notification (information indicating the usage status of the outdoor outlet 41), and a control unit 55 that notifies the information terminal 70 if the acquired usage commencement notification indicates that the outdoor outlet 41 is being used outside of the period of availability predetermined by the administrator. The control unit 55 does not notify the information terminal 70 if the acquired usage commencement notification indicates that the outdoor outlet 41 is being used within the period of availability, but may send a different notification.

[0046] Such a control system 10 can implement a power theft prevention support function by determining whether or not the start time of use of the outdoor outlet 41 falls within the available period.

[0047] [Example of operation 2] As described above, the control system 10 can provide notifications regarding the usage status of the EV charging device 42 and control the stopping of the EV charging device 42 as one of its power theft suppression support functions. Below, an example of the operation of such a control system 10, Example 2, will be described. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram of the operation example 2 of the control system 10.

[0048] First, the administrator of the EV charging device 42 (a resident of the house 80) inputs the available period and the unavailable period into the information terminal 70, and the information terminal 70 accepts this input (S21). The information terminal 70 generates a registration request that includes at least the available period as information, and sends the generated registration request to the first server 50 (S22).

[0049] The communication unit 51 of the first server 50 receives a registration request. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the available period included in the received registration request and registers (stores) it in the storage unit 53 (S23). The processing in steps S21 to S23 above is the same as in steps S11 to S13, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0050] Subsequently, the second communication unit 26 of the control terminal 20 receives an EV connection notification from the EV charging device 42 indicating that an EV has been connected to the EV charging device 42 (S24). When the information processing unit 23 detects that an EV has been connected to the EV charging device 42 based on the received EV connection notification (S25), it sends a start-up notification to the first server 50 (S26). More specifically, the start-up notification is sent to the first server 50 by the first communication unit 25. The start-up notification is an example of information indicating the usage status of the EV charging device 42 (outdoor power supply 40), and more specifically, it is information indicating that the EV charging device 42 has been put into use.

[0051] In step S24, the second communication unit 26 may receive information from the EV charging device 42 indicating the charging status (or information indicating the discharge status), or information indicating the amount of charge (or information indicating the amount of discharge), and in step S25, the information processing unit 23 may detect that an EV has been connected to the EV charging device 42 based on the received information.

[0052] The communication unit 51 of the first server 50 receives a service commencement notification. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the received service commencement notification (S27). The control unit 55 determines whether the service commencement time determined by the service commencement notification acquired in step S27 falls within the available period registered in step S23 (S28). Note that the service commencement time is included as information in the service commencement notification, for example, but the control unit 55 may consider the time when the service commencement notification is received by the communication unit 51 as the service commencement time.

[0053] If the control unit 55 determines in step S28 that the start time of use is outside the available period, it sends a function stop command to the control terminal 20 to stop the charging function (in other words, the function as a power source) of the EV charging device 42 (S29). More specifically, the function stop command is sent to the information terminal 70 by the communication unit 51.

[0054] The first communication unit 25 of the control terminal 20 receives a function stop command. The second communication unit 26 transmits the function stop command to the EV charging device 42 (S30).

[0055] When the EV charging device 42 receives a function stop command, it stops its charging function (S31). In other words, the EV charging device 42 transitions to a state where it cannot charge the EV connected to it.

[0056] Meanwhile, the first server 50 sends notification information to the information terminal 70 in addition to the function shutdown command (S32). More specifically, the notification information is sent to the information terminal 70 by the communication unit 51.

[0057] When the information terminal 70 receives notification information, it displays a notification screen based on the received notification information (S33). Figure 7 shows an example of a notification screen when the start time of use is outside the available period. As shown in Figure 7, the notification screen when the start time of use is outside the available period includes a description (message) indicating that the charging function of the EV charging device 42 has been stopped.

[0058] Notification information is sent from the first server 50 to the information terminal 70 only when it is determined that the start time of use is outside the available period, but it may also be sent from the first server 50 to the information terminal 70 when it is determined that the start time of use is within the available period. Figure 8 shows an example of a notification screen when the start time of use is within the available period. As shown in Figure 8, the notification screen when the start time of use is within the available period includes a description (message) indicating that the EV charging device 42 is in use.

[0059] In operation example 2, when the start time of use of the EV charging device 42 falls outside the available period, both control to stop the charging function of the EV charging device 42 and notification that use of the EV charging device 42 has started are performed. However, it is sufficient if at least one of the above control and notification is performed. Specifically, when the start time of use of the EV charging device 42 falls outside the available period, only the control among the above control and notification may be performed, or only the notification among the above control and notification may be performed.

[0060] As described above, the control system 10 includes an acquisition unit 54 that acquires a usage start notification (information indicating the usage status of the EV charging device 42), and a control unit 55 that, if the acquired usage start notification indicates that the EV charging device 42 is being used outside of the available period predetermined by the administrator, performs at least one of the following: notifying the information terminal 70 and stopping the charging function of the EV charging device 42. If the acquired usage start notification indicates that the EV charging device 42 is being used within the available period, the control unit 55 does not perform either the notification to the information terminal 70 or the control to stop the charging function of the EV charging device 42, but may perform another notification different from the said notification.

[0061] Such a control system 10 can implement a power theft suppression support function by determining whether or not the start time of use of the EV charging device 42 falls within the available period.

[0062] By the way, the notification screen in Figure 7 above includes an icon 71 for reactivating the charging function. Administrators can reactivate the charging function even outside of the available period by operating this icon 71. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing when the charging function is reactivated in operation example 2.

[0063] When the information terminal 70 receives an operation on the icon 71 (S34), it sends a release request to the first server 50 requesting the release of the function deactivation (S35).

[0064] The communication unit 51 of the first server 50 receives the release request. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the received release request (S36). When the control unit 55 acquires the release request by the acquisition unit 54, it sends a release command to the control terminal 20 to release the deactivation of the EV charging device 42's function as a power source (S37). More specifically, the release command is sent to the information terminal 70 by the communication unit 51.

[0065] The first communication unit 25 of the control terminal 20 receives the release command. The second communication unit 26 transmits the release command to the EV charging device 42 (S38).

[0066] When the EV charging device 42 receives a release command, it releases the suspension of its charging function (function as a power source) (S39). In other words, the EV charging device 42 transitions to (returns to) a normal state in which it can charge the EV connected to it.

[0067] In this way, the administrator can operate such an icon 71 to release the suspension of the charging function (allow EV charging) even outside of the available period. If the operation on the icon 71 is not accepted in step S34, the EV charging device 42 will return to its normal state based on a release request sent by the first server 50, for example, at the start time of the next available period.

[0068] Furthermore, the notification screen in Figure 8 includes an icon 72 for stopping the charging function. By operating this icon 72, the administrator can stop the charging function even within the available period. The operation sequence in this case is the same as in Figure 9, and the release request and release command in Figure 9 should be read as the function stop request and function stop command, respectively.

[0069] [Example of operation 3] In Operation Example 1 and Operation Example 2, it was determined whether the start time of use of the outdoor power supply 40 fell within the registered available period. Alternatively, it may be determined whether the use of the outdoor power supply 40 deviated from the usage pattern (also referred to as usage pattern information) determined from the past usage history of the outdoor power supply 40. Figure 10 is a sequence diagram of the operation of generating usage pattern information of the control system 10 (Operation Example 3).

[0070] The second communication unit 26 of the control terminal 20 receives the measured power consumption value in the branch circuit to which the outdoor outlet 41 is connected from the distribution board 30 (S41). When the information processing unit 23 detects that a load has been connected to the outdoor outlet 41 based on the received measured value (S42), it sends a usage commencement notification to the first server 50 (S43). More specifically, the usage commencement notification is sent to the first server 50 by the first communication unit 25. The usage commencement notification is an example of information indicating the usage status of the outdoor outlet 41 (outdoor power supply 40), and more specifically, it is information indicating that the outdoor outlet 41 has been put into use.

[0071] The first server 50 communication unit 51 receives a service start notification. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the received service start notification and stores the acquired service start notification in the storage unit 53 in association with the service start time (S44). The service start time is included as information in the service start notification, for example, but the acquisition unit 54 may consider the time when the service start notification was received by the communication unit 51 as the service start time.

[0072] When a large number of usage start times are accumulated in the storage unit 53 in this manner, the generation unit 56 uses this as usage history. Based on the usage history, the generation unit 56 generates usage pattern information and stores it in the storage unit 53 (S45). For example, the generation unit 56 divides a day into predetermined unit periods (e.g., 1 hour) and generates usage pattern information that shows the unit periods with high usage and the unit periods with low usage. If the usage start time includes information about the day of the week, the generation unit 56 can generate usage pattern information that shows the unit periods with high usage and the unit periods with low usage for each day of the week. The generation unit 56 may also update the usage pattern information each time a usage start notification is received.

[0073] If usage pattern information is stored in the memory unit 53 in this manner, the control unit 55 can skip the processing of steps S11 to S13 in operation example 1 and make a determination in step S18 based on a comparison of the usage start time and the usage pattern information. Specifically, if the usage start time determined by the usage start notification acquired in step S17 falls within a unit period of low usage indicated by the usage pattern information, the control unit 55 sends notification information to the information terminal 70 to display the notification screen shown in Figure 4. If the usage start time does not fall within a unit period of low usage indicated by the usage pattern information, the control unit 55 either does not send notification information to the information terminal 70, or sends notification information to the information terminal 70 to display the notification screen shown in Figure 5.

[0074] The generation unit 56 generated usage pattern information based on the usage time period of the outdoor outlet 41, but it may also generate usage pattern information based on the amount of power consumed by the outdoor outlet 41, for example. For example, it may generate usage pattern information that shows the average amount of power consumed in the past.

[0075] In this case, the usage start notification includes information indicating the amount of power consumed. In step S18, the control unit 55 determines whether the amount of power consumed deviates from the average amount of power consumed (either more than a predetermined value or less than a predetermined value). Specifically, if the amount of power consumed determined by the usage start notification acquired in step S17 deviates from the average amount of power consumed indicated by the usage pattern information, the control unit 55 sends notification information to the information terminal 70 to display the notification screen shown in Figure 4. If the amount of power consumed does not deviate from the average amount of power consumed indicated by the usage pattern information, the control unit 55 either does not send notification information to the information terminal 70, or sends notification information to the information terminal 70 to display the notification screen shown in Figure 5.

[0076] Although not shown in detail, the generation unit 56 can also generate usage pattern information for the EV charging device 42 based on the usage history of the EV charging device 42 and store it in the storage unit 53.

[0077] If the usage pattern information for the EV charging device 42 is stored in the memory unit 53 in this manner, the control unit 55 can omit the processing of steps S21 to S23 in operation example 2 and make a determination in step S28 based on a comparison of the usage start time and the usage pattern information. Specifically, if the usage start time determined by the usage start notification acquired in step S27 falls within a unit period of low usage indicated by the usage pattern information, the control unit 55 will perform at least one of the following: stop the charging function of the EV charging device 42, and send notification information to the information terminal 70 to display the notification screen shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, if the usage start time does not fall within a unit period of low usage indicated by the usage pattern information, the control unit 55 will either not send notification information to the information terminal 70, or send notification information to the information terminal 70 to display the notification screen shown in Figure 8.

[0078] As described above, the control system 10 includes a generation unit 56 that generates usage pattern information for the outdoor power supply 40 based on the usage history of the outdoor power supply 40. The control unit 55 includes a control unit 55 that, based on the acquired usage start notification (information indicating the usage status of the outdoor power supply 40) and the generated usage pattern information, notifies the information terminal 70 and controls the outdoor power supply 40 to stop.

[0079] Such a control system 10 can implement a power theft suppression support function by determining whether the use of the outdoor power supply 40 (outdoor outlet 41 or EV charging device 42) deviates from the usage pattern indicated by the usage pattern information, instead of determining whether the start time of use of the outdoor power supply 40 falls within the available period.

[0080] [Example of operation 4] Incidentally, residents of residence 80 can use a parking space sharing service to rent out their parking space to others (hereinafter also referred to as "reserved users") when a parking space located on the premises of residence 80 is vacant. In such cases, the control system 10 can permit the use of the EV charging device 42 attached to the parking space during the reserved period of use by the reserved user, and prohibit the use of the EV charging device 42 outside of the reserved period. Below, an example of the operation of such a control system 10, example 4, will be described. Figure 11 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the control system 10, example 4 (first half).

[0081] First, the manager of the EV charging device 42 (a resident of the house 80) inputs the reservation period, the period when reservations are not possible, and the charging speed into the information terminal 70, and the information terminal 70 accepts this input (S51).

[0082] The reservation period is the period during which the parking lot can be used, and the reservation-unreserved period is the period during which the parking lot cannot be used. The reservation period and the reservation-unreserved period can be entered in a format that specifies time slots, for example, on a daily or weekly basis, but it may also be possible to specify any period. Furthermore, it is sufficient for at least one of the reservation period and the reservation-unreserved period to be entered; if only the reservation period is entered, for example, all periods other than the reservation period will be considered the reservation-unreserved period. Similarly, if only the reservation-unreserved period is entered, for example, all periods other than the reservation period will be considered the reservation period.

[0083] The charging speed entered in step S51 refers to the charging speed when a user of the parking lot uses the EV charging device 42, and is entered by the administrator. The administrator can specify, for example, one of the following as the charging speed: 6kW charging (fast charging) or 3kW charging (normal charging). The administrator can change the capacity (charging speed) of the EV charging device 42 in consideration of the power usage within the house 80, for example, by specifying a lower charging speed if they want to prioritize the use of electricity within the house 80.

[0084] The information terminal 70 generates a registration request that includes the reservation period and charging speed as information, and sends the generated registration request to the second server 60 (S52).

[0085] The second server 60 receives the registration request. The second server 60 obtains the reservation period and charging speed included in the received registration request and registers (stores) them in the storage unit (not shown) provided by the second server 60 (S53).

[0086] Subsequently, the second server 60 receives the parking reservation from the reservation holder (more specifically, from the information terminal used by the reservation holder) (S54). As a result, at least a portion of the registered available reservation period is reserved (registered) by the reservation holder as the planned period of use.

[0087] The second server 60 sends registration request information to the first server 50, which includes charging speed information indicating the registered charging speed (charging speed specified by the administrator) and information indicating the planned usage period (S55).

[0088] The communication unit 51 of the first server 50 receives registration request information. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the available period (information indicating the available period) and charging speed information included in the received registration request information and registers (stores) them in the storage unit 53 (S56).

[0089] The second half of Operation Example 4 of the control system 10 will be described below. Figure 12 is the first sequence diagram of Operation Example 4 (second half) of the control system 10. Specifically, Figure 12 is a sequence diagram of the case when the EV charging device 42 is used outside of the scheduled period for use of the parking lot.

[0090] The second communication unit 26 of the control terminal 20 receives an EV connection notification from the EV charging device 42 indicating that an EV has been connected to the EV charging device 42 (S57). When the information processing unit 23 detects that an EV has been connected to the EV charging device 42 based on the received EV connection notification (S58), it sends a notification to the first server 50 indicating that the EV charging device 42 has been put into use (S59). More specifically, the notification to start use is sent to the first server 50 by the first communication unit 25. The notification to start use is an example of information indicating the usage status of the EV charging device 42 (outdoor power supply 40), and more specifically, it is information indicating that the EV charging device 42 has been put into use.

[0091] The communication unit 51 of the first server 50 receives a usage start notification. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the received usage start notification (S60). The control unit 55 determines whether the usage start time of the EV charging device 42, determined by the usage start notification acquired in step S60, falls within the planned usage period of the parking lot registered in step S56 (S61a). The planned usage period is the period corresponding to the available period in operation examples 1 to 3. Note that the usage start time is included as information in the usage start notification, for example, but the control unit 55 may consider the time when the usage start notification is received by the communication unit 51 as the usage start time.

[0092] If the control unit 55 determines in step S61a that the start time for using the EV charging device 42 is outside the scheduled period for using the parking lot, it sends a function stop command to the control terminal 20 to stop the charging function (in other words, the function as a power source) of the EV charging device 42 (S62a). More specifically, the function stop command is sent to the information terminal 70 by the communication unit 51.

[0093] The first communication unit 25 of the control terminal 20 receives a function stop command. The second communication unit 26 transmits the function stop command to the EV charging device 42 (S63a).

[0094] When the EV charging device 42 receives a function stop command, it stops its charging function (S64a). In other words, the EV charging device 42 transitions to a state where it cannot charge the EV connected to it.

[0095] Meanwhile, the first server 50 transmits notification information to the information terminal 70 in addition to the function shutdown command (S65a). More specifically, the notification information is transmitted to the information terminal 70 by the communication unit 51.

[0096] When the information terminal 70 receives notification information, it displays a notification screen like the one shown in Figure 7 based on the received notification information (S66a).

[0097] Furthermore, if the start time of use of the EV charging device 42 falls outside the scheduled period for parking lot use, both control to stop the charging function of the EV charging device 42 and notification that use of the EV charging device 42 has begun will be performed. However, it is sufficient if at least one of the above control and / or notification is performed. Specifically, if the start time of use of the EV charging device 42 falls outside the scheduled period for parking lot use, only the control or only the notification may be performed.

[0098] Furthermore, administrators can unlock the charging function (allow EV charging) even outside of the scheduled parking period by operating icon 71 included in the notification screen shown in Figure 7.

[0099] On the other hand, the sequence diagram when the EV charging device 42 is used within the planned period of parking lot use is shown in Figure 13. Figure 13 is the second sequence diagram of the operation example 4 (second half) of the control system 10.

[0100] The processing in steps S57 to S60 is the same as in Figure 12, so the explanation is omitted. The control unit 55 determines whether the start time of use of the EV charging device 42, which is determined by the start of use notification acquired in step S17, falls within the planned usage period of the parking lot registered in step S56 (S61b).

[0101] If the control unit 55 determines in step S61b that the start time for using the EV charging device 42 falls within the scheduled period for using the parking lot, it transmits a setting command to the control terminal 20 (S62b). The setting command is information for setting the charging speed of the EV charging device 42 to the charging speed indicated by the charging speed information registered in step S56. More specifically, the setting command is transmitted to the information terminal 70 by the communication unit 51.

[0102] The first communication unit 25 of the control terminal 20 receives a setting command. The second communication unit 26 transmits the setting command to the EV charging device 42 (S63b).

[0103] When the EV charging device 42 receives a setting command, it sets the charging speed based on the setting command (S64b). Then, the EV charging device 42 starts charging the EV connected to it at the set charging speed.

[0104] Meanwhile, the first server 50 transmits notification information to the information terminal 70 in addition to the configuration command (S65b). More specifically, the notification information is transmitted to the information terminal 70 by the communication unit 51.

[0105] When the information terminal 70 receives notification information, it displays a notification screen as shown in Figure 8 based on the received notification information (S66b). Note that if the start time of use of the EV charging device 42 is outside the scheduled period for use of the parking lot, the notification that use of the EV charging device 42 has started (processing in steps S65b and S66b) may be omitted. In addition, the administrator can stop the charging function even within the scheduled period for use of the parking lot by operating the icon 72 included in the notification screen shown in Figure 8.

[0106] As described above, the control system 10 includes an acquisition unit 54 that acquires a usage start notification (information indicating the usage status of the EV charging device 42), and a control unit 55 that, if the acquired usage start notification indicates that the EV charging device 42 is being used outside the scheduled period for using the parking lot, performs at least one of the following: notifying the information terminal 70 and stopping the charging function of the EV charging device 42. If the acquired usage start notification indicates that the EV charging device 42 is being used within the scheduled period for using the parking lot, the control unit 55 does not perform either the notification to the information terminal 70 or the control to stop the charging function of the EV charging device 42, but may perform another notification different from the said notification.

[0107] Such a control system 10 can implement a power theft suppression support function by determining whether or not the start time of use of the EV charging device 42 falls within the planned period of use of the parking lot.

[0108] In Operation Example 4, the acquisition unit 54 acquires charging speed information that specifies the charging speed of the EV charging device 42, and the control unit 55 sets the charging speed of the EV charging device 42 so that the user can charge the EV at the charging speed specified by the charging speed information within the scheduled usage period. In other words, in Operation Example 4, processing related to setting the charging speed was performed. However, such processing is not mandatory. Processing related to setting the charging speed may be omitted.

[0109] Furthermore, it is conceivable that an administrator can manage parking reservations based on application programs installed on the information terminal 70. In such cases, in Operation Example 4, registration request information is transmitted from the information terminal 70 to the first server 50, and the control system 10 can omit the processing performed by the second server 60 (processing steps S52 to S54 in Figure 11). Figure 14 is a sequence diagram of Operation Example 4 (first half) when registration request information is transmitted from the information terminal 70 to the first server 50 (S50 in Figure 14).

[0110] [Variations of Operation Example 1] In the above embodiment's operation example 1, when the outdoor outlet 41 was being used outside the available period, no control was performed to stop the function of the outdoor outlet 41 (control to stop the power supply from the outdoor outlet 41). However, if the control system 10 is able to stop the function of the outdoor outlet 41, such control may be performed. Specifically, this is assumed to be the case when the control terminal 20 can control the on and off of the branch breakers of the distribution board 30. In other words, even in operation example 1, if the outdoor outlet 41 was being used outside the available period, at least one of the following should be performed: notification to the information terminal 70 and control to stop the function of the outdoor outlet 41.

[0111] [Variations of Operation Example 2] Furthermore, in the above embodiment of operation example 2, the charging function of the EV charging device 42 was automatically stopped when the EV charging device 42 was being used outside of the available period. However, the charging function of the EV charging device 42 may be stopped with the consent of the resident of the house 80. Below, a modified example of operation example 2 of the control system 10 will be described. Figure 15 is a sequence diagram of a modified example of operation example 2 of the control system 10.

[0112] First, the processes from steps S21 to S28 are performed, similar to the operation example 2 (Figure 6).

[0113] If the control unit 55 of the first server 50 determines in step S28 that the start time of use is outside the available period, it sends notification information to the information terminal 70 (S71). More specifically, the notification information is sent to the information terminal 70 by the communication unit 51.

[0114] When the information terminal 70 receives notification information, it displays a notification screen based on the received notification information (S72). Figure 16 shows an example of a notification screen when the start time of use is outside the available period. As shown in Figure 16, the notification screen when the start time of use is outside the available period includes a description (message) indicating that the EV charging device 42 is in use.

[0115] When such a notification screen is displayed, if a resident performs an operation (operation on icon 73) to instruct the EV charging device 42 to stop its charging function (in other words, its function as a power source), the information terminal 70 receives this operation (S73) and sends a function stop command to the first server 50 to stop the charging function of the EV charging device 42 (S74).

[0116] The communication unit 51 of the first server 50 receives a function shutdown command and transmits the received function shutdown command to the control terminal 20 (S75).

[0117] The first communication unit 25 of the control terminal 20 receives a function stop command. The second communication unit 26 transmits the function stop command to the EV charging device 42 (S76).

[0118] When the EV charging device 42 receives a function stop command, it stops its charging function (S77). In other words, the EV charging device 42 transitions to a state where it cannot charge the EV connected to it.

[0119] Thus, the control system 10 can also stop the charging function of the EV charging device 42 after obtaining the consent of the resident (operation on the information terminal 70). This modified version can also be applied to operation example 4 (Figure 12).

[0120] [Other variations] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an information terminal 70 was used as a user interface for inputting information and displaying notification screens, but a control terminal 20 may be used as the user interface instead of the information terminal 70.

[0121] Furthermore, the information terminal 70 and the control terminal 20 may be used together as the user interface. Specifically, information can be entered through either the information terminal 70 or the control terminal 20. Also, the notification screen may be displayed on both the information terminal 70 and the control terminal 20 (display unit 22).

[0122] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the control system 10 includes an acquisition unit 54 that acquires information indicating the usage status of the outdoor power supply 40 that supplies power to loads located outdoors, and a control unit 55 that, based on the acquired information, performs at least one of the following: notifying an information terminal 70 (or control terminal 20) used by the manager of the outdoor power supply 40, and stopping the outdoor power supply 40. In the above embodiment, the information indicating the usage status is a notification of the start of use.

[0123] Such a control system 10 can prevent the outdoor power supply 40 from being used without authorization.

[0124] Furthermore, for example, if the acquired information indicates that the outdoor power supply 40 is being used outside of a predetermined availability period, the control unit 55 will notify the information terminal 70 and perform at least one of the following actions: stop the outdoor power supply 40.

[0125] Such a control system 10 can consider the use of the outdoor power supply 40 outside of a predetermined period of availability as unauthorized use of the outdoor power supply 40, thereby preventing unauthorized use of the outdoor power supply 40.

[0126] Furthermore, for example, the period of availability is determined by the manager of the outdoor power supply 40.

[0127] Such a control system 10 can deter unauthorized use of the outdoor power supply 40 by considering its use outside of the period of availability set by the administrator as unauthorized use of the outdoor power supply 40.

[0128] Furthermore, for example, the outdoor power source 40 is an EV charging device 42 attached to the parking lot, and the available period is the planned period of use of the parking lot, which is determined by the person who reserves the parking lot.

[0129] Such a control system 10 can deter unauthorized use of the EV charging device 42 by considering its use outside of the scheduled parking period as unauthorized use of the EV charging device 42.

[0130] Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 54 acquires charging speed information that specifies the charging speed of the EV charging device 42. The control unit 55 sets the charging speed of the EV charging device 42 so that the user can charge the EV at the charging speed specified by the charging speed information within the scheduled usage period.

[0131] Such a control system 10 can change the capacity of the EV charging device 42 and then allow the person who made the reservation to use the EV charging device 42.

[0132] Furthermore, for example, if the acquired information indicates that the outdoor power supply 40 is being used outside of the available period, the control unit 55 performs both a notification to the information terminal 70 and control to shut down the outdoor power supply 40. As a result of the above notification, the information terminal 70 displays a notification screen that includes an icon 71 for undoing the shutdown of the outdoor power supply 40.

[0133] Such a control system 10 can allow the use of the outdoor power supply 40 even outside of the available period, based on an administrator's operation on the icon 71.

[0134] Furthermore, for example, if the acquired information indicates that the outdoor power supply 40 is being used within the available period, the control unit 55 will not notify the information terminal 70, nor will it perform any control to shut down the outdoor power supply 40.

[0135] Such a control system 10 can reduce communication traffic and information processing load by omitting notification to the information terminal 70 and control to shut down the outdoor power supply 40 when it is estimated that the outdoor power supply 40 is being used appropriately.

[0136] Furthermore, for example, if the acquired information indicates that the outdoor power supply 40 is being used within the available period, the control unit 55 issues a different notification to the information terminal 70 than the notification described above. As a result of the other notification, the information terminal 70 displays a notification screen that includes an icon 72 for stopping the outdoor power supply 40.

[0137] Such a control system 10 can restrict (prohibit) the use of the outdoor power supply 40, even within the available period, based on an administrator's operation on the icon 71.

[0138] Furthermore, for example, the control system 10 further includes a generation unit 56 that generates usage pattern information for the outdoor power supply 40 based on the usage history of the outdoor power supply 40. The control unit 55 performs at least one of the following based on the acquired information and the generated usage pattern information: notifying the information terminal 70 and controlling the outdoor power supply 40 to stop.

[0139] Such a control system 10 can consider any use of the outdoor power supply 40 that deviates from the usage pattern information as unauthorized use of the outdoor power supply 40, and can prevent the outdoor power supply 40 from being used without authorization.

[0140] Furthermore, the control method performed by a computer such as the control system 10 includes an acquisition step of acquiring information indicating the usage status of the outdoor power supply 40 that supplies power to loads located outdoors, and a control step of performing at least one of the following based on the acquired information: notifying an information terminal 70 used by the manager of the outdoor power supply 40, and stopping the outdoor power supply 40.

[0141] This control method can prevent the outdoor power supply 40 from being used without authorization.

[0142] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0143] For example, in the above embodiment, the control system was implemented by multiple devices, but it may also be implemented as a single device. For example, the control system may be implemented as a single device corresponding to a control terminal or a server device. When the control system is implemented by multiple devices, the components of the control system may be distributed among the multiple devices in any way. For example, some or all of the processing described as being performed by the server device in the above embodiment may be performed by the control terminal. In other words, the control terminal may include functional components corresponding to an acquisition unit, a control unit, and a generation unit.

[0144] For example, the method of communication between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a relay device (such as a wireless router) not shown may be involved in the communication between devices.

[0145] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processing units may be changed, or multiple processing units may be executed in parallel.

[0146] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0147] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0148] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0149] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a control terminal or server device. The present invention may be implemented as a control method executed by a computer, such as a control system. The present invention may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute such a control method. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0150] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 10 Control Systems 20. Control terminal (information terminal) 40 Outdoor power supply (power supply) 41 Outdoor electrical outlet 42 EV charging equipment 54 Acquisition Department 55 Control Unit 56 Generation part 70 Information terminals Icons 71, 72, 73

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the usage status of a power source that supplies power to loads located outdoors, Based on the acquired information, if it is determined that the power supply is being used outside of a predetermined available period, the control unit performs at least one of the following: notify the information terminal used by the power supply administrator, and shut down the power supply. If the control unit determines, based on the acquired information, that the power supply is being used within the available period, it will either send a different notification to the information terminal than the notification mentioned above, or it will not send a notification to the information terminal. Control system.

2. The aforementioned availability period is determined by the power supply manager. The control system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned power source is an EV (Electric Vehicle) charging device located next to the parking lot. The aforementioned availability period is the planned period of use of the parking lot, which is determined by the person who makes the reservation for the parking lot. The control system according to claim 1.

4. The acquisition unit further acquires charging speed information that specifies the charging speed of the EV charging device, The control unit sets the charging speed of the EV charging device so that the user can charge the EV at the charging speed specified by the charging speed information within the scheduled usage period. The control system according to claim 3.

5. Based on the acquired information, the control unit determines that the power supply is being used outside the available period, and performs both a notification to the information terminal and a control to shut off the power supply. As a result of the notification, the information terminal displays a notification screen that includes an icon for canceling the power shutdown. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. If the control unit determines, based on the acquired information, that the power supply is being used within the available period, it will not notify the information terminal or take any action to shut off the power supply. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. If the control unit determines, based on the acquired information, that the power supply is being used within the available period, it will provide the other notification. As a result of the aforementioned other notifications, the information terminal displays a notification screen that includes an icon for turning off the power. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. Based on the acquired information, the control unit determines that the power supply is being used outside the predetermined available period, and performs control to shut off the power supply without requiring user operation on the information terminal. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. A control method performed by a computer, An acquisition step to obtain information indicating the usage status of a power source that supplies power to loads located outdoors, Based on the acquired information, if it is determined that the power supply is being used outside of a predetermined available period, the control step includes notifying the information terminal used by the power supply administrator and performing at least one of the following actions: In the control step, if it is determined that the power supply is being used within the available period based on the acquired information, then either a different notification to the information terminal is sent, or no notification is sent to the information terminal. Control method.

10. A program for causing the computer to execute the control method described in claim 9.

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